Citizen Science Platforms

This platform lets you decide what data you want to collect and who can participate, and provides a way to invite participants. Contributors collect and share observations, browse and comment on other observations, or download datasets for analysis.

ArcGIS Survey123 lets users create custom surveys for data collection. Users collect geo-located photos and/or data via web or mobile devices, locations are accurate even when disconnected from the Internet. Users can access submitted data via a map interface.

This off-the-shelf solution helps people see change over time. The package includes materials to set up an observation station with a cellphone bracket and a sign with instructions. Passers-by take and submit photos and receive confirmation of their submissions. The platform aggregates and aligns photos into time lapse animations. Does not include tide or weather data with photos.

This comprehensive platform handles the logistics of citizen science activities so organizers can focus on designing community-centered projects that have a positive impact. The freely available platform supports online project and data management, analysis, visualization, and reporting features. Projects that use this platform are listed on SciStarter.org to encourage others to contribute.

The Coastal Observer App facilitates individuals capture observations of weather and its impacts. Users can also measure water levels to document how they might impact coastal infrastructure or ecosystems.

CoastSnap relies on repeat photos at the same location to track how the coast is changing over time due to processes such as storms, rising sea levels, human activities and other factors. Monitoring groups can install a camera bracket and sign to encourage passers-by to take and submit photos of the same scene over time. Different CoastSnap stations employ different methods for submitting photos, including the optional use of the CoastSnap app. Over time, the photos can be made into timelapse videos showing shoreline change and improving understanding of how change occurs over time.

This map-based data collection and analysis platform offers digital tools to collect geo-located data, analyze change over time, and consider the impact of interventions. The platform includes resources to help educators facilitate student exploration of large data sets.

Registered users take and share photos and other observations of climate, weather, and infrastructure to start a social media dialogue in their communities. Discussions center on how the world is changing and the best ways to change with it. The platform aggregates experiences into stories and helps groups identify actionable insights for planning decisions in places on the frontlines of climate change.

This platform helps citizen scientists document water levels (including king tides), storm damage, beach cleanup events, and more. The location of each submitted photo is shown on a map along with weather and tidal information. The app allows anyone in participating states to submit photos and reports. States with licenses: Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Washington, and the Gulf of Mexico (Florida and Texas).

A collection of other platforms: customized or re-purposed websites or applications used for data collection and/or sharing. It can even include social media platforms like Facebook that can be used for data submittal.

Picture Posts installed in changing environments guide visitors to take and submit nine photographs (every 45° and one overhead) to document visible characteristics surrounding the post at that time. The platform’s website lets users view photos from registered post locations to see change over time.

Draw boundaries using a set of GPS points to document high-tide flooding. The website gives groups a way to manage documents, post calendar events, and share messages. All features are integrated with the Sea Level Rise app.

This commercial-scale platform builds custom Smartphone Apps and interactive maps for citizen science projects. They build digital tools with a range of available features. The platform promotes community building, innovation, and public engagement.

This platform crowd-sources photos documenting environmental conditions or observations of water level. Submitted photos are displayed on a map along with data from offshore buoys.